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On January 1, 2019 at approximately 3:30a.m. Hamden Police responded to a Fairview Avenue residence on the report of a stabbing. Central Communications had received an emergency call from a female, indicating that she had been stabbed in the neck. The victim advised Central Communications personnel that she was pregnant and severely injured.

Hamden Police Department and Hamden Fire Department personnel, who were nearby, rendered life-saving first aid to the victim, a 31 year-old New Jersey resident, who was bleeding profusely from the carotid artery. The victim, who is 6 months pregnant, was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Investigation revealed that the victim, along with her 2 children, nephew and fiancé, returned to their relative’s home after a New Year’s Eve celebration. When the victim parked her motor vehicle in the driveway, she was “ambushed” by an individual, who was later identified as Naji Deneutte. Deneutte stabbed the victim multiple times in the neck, as her children looked on. At least one of the stab wounds was to her carotid artery. Deneutte was attempting to steal the victim’s vehicle. The victim was able to fend off Deneutte. He subsequently fled on foot from the area.

Detective Joseph Liguori and Shawn Nutcher assumed the investigation and quickly identified Deneutte as a suspect. On January 3rd the Hamden Police Department Special Response Team and members of the Detective Division executed a search and seizure warrant at Deneutte’s residence, 40 North Street. Several pieces of evidence relating to the crime were recovered. During the search, officers also recovered a stolen loaded firearm, which was located under his mattress. Deneutte was promptly arrested and transported to police headquarters.

Hamden Police arrested Naji Deneutte, 18, of 40 North Street, Hamden. He was charged with Assault in the 1st Degree on a Pregnant Person, Criminal Attempt to Commit Carjacking, Theft of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Marijuana. Deneutte, who was detained on a $550,000.00 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on January 17, 2019.